Amazon has scored the rights to stream a new CBS TV series called "Under the Dome."

Based on a Stephen King novel and produced by CBS and Steven Spielberg's Amblin Television, the new show will air on CBS TV starting June 24. And just four days after that, the series will be available for streaming to Amazon Prime members.

The deal between Amazon and CBS (which is also the parent company of CNET) means that Amazon Prime Instant Video will be the exclusive online home for "Under the Dome." Amazon Prime subscribers will be able to stream the series at no additional cost via the Kindle Fire HD, iPhone, iPad, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and a variety of other devices.

And if you're not an Amazon prime member? You'll still be able to buy and download the series via Amazon Instant Video.

The Amazon Prime Instant Video library now offers more than 36,000 movies and TV episodes free to Prime members. An Amazon prime membership costs $79 a year, and offers other benefits such as free two-day shipping.

"Under the Dome" tells the tale of a small town in Maine that gets sealed off from the rest of the world by a giant invisible dome. The novel has been a top seller on Amazon among both printed books and e-books.

"Adding a current season major network TV series like 'Under the Dome' to the Prime Instant Video library so shortly after its live airing enables us to increase our exclusive selection of great TV shows and give customers access how, when and where they want to watch it," Brad Beale, Amazon's director of digital video content acquisition, said in a statement.

About the author

Journalist, software trainer, and Web developer Lance Whitney writes columns and reviews for CNET, Computer Shopper, Microsoft TechNet, and other technology sites. His first book, "Windows 8 Five Minutes at a Time," was published by Wiley & Sons in November 2012.
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